Biodegradable packaging system

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a biodegradable container designed for holding produce items. Specifically exemplified is a biodegradable container that includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion has an image of produce provided thereon. The bottom portion has an image of a basket provided thereon. The top portion also defines a window for the customer to view the produce product disposed within the container. The window has a biodegradable film which covers the window.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 60/943,112 filed Jun. 11, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Marketing products to a consumer and gaining repeat business has become more difficult as an increasing number of companies sacrifice innovation for financial stability by offering competing products having substantially similar features and specifications.

Products designed to match the best product in a class often sell, but these products fail to encourage customer loyalty and repeat business because customers fail to distinguish one product from another. Today, differentiating a product, innovating, and engaging the customer on an emotional level are the keys to a successful marketing plan (Ealey, L. and L. Troyano-Bermudez, The McKinsey Quarterly, 1996 (4):62-75). Traditional “face-to-face, or “one-on-one” selling time with a buyer continues to decline in both quantity and quality. Without some constant reminder, and more particularly a reminder that draws attention to itself, the client may fail to recommend the product, or select it over a similar competing product when re-ordering.

It is axiomatic that in the field of advertisement/marketing, perception is often reality. Thus, a fresh and new presentation, such as packaging, may make an immediate, and indelible positive first impression, whereas the presentation of an ordinary, nondescript product may actually foreclose future business opportunities.

Materials such as paper, paperboard, plastic, polystyrene, and even metals are presently used in enormous quantity in the manufacture of articles such as containers, separators, dividers, lids, tops, cans, and other packaging materials. Modern processing and packaging technology allows a wide range of liquid and solid goods to be stored, packaged, and shipped in packaging materials while being protected from harmful elements, such as gases, moisture, light, microorganisms, vermin, physical shock, crushing forces, vibration, leaking, or spilling. Many of these materials are characterized as being disposable, but actually have little, if any, functional biodegradability. For many of these products, the time for degradation in the environment can span decades or even centuries.

Each year, over 100 billion aluminum cans, billions of glass bottles, and thousands of tons of paper and plastic are used in storing and dispensing soft drinks, juices, processed foods, grains, beer and other products. In the United States alone, approximately 5.5 million tons of paper are consumed each year in packaging materials, which represents only about 15% of the total annual domestic paper production.

Packaging materials (e.g., paper, paperboard, plastic, polystyrene, glass, or metal) are all, to varying extents, damaging to the environment. For example, the manufacture of polystyrene products involves the use of a variety of hazardous chemicals and starting materials, such as benzene (a known mutagen and a probable carcinogen). Chlorofluorocarbons (or “CFCs”) have also been used in the manufacture of “blown” or “expanded” polystyrene products. CFCs have been linked to the destruction of the ozone layer.

Due to widespread environmental concerns, there has been significant pressure on companies to discontinue the use of polystyrene products in favor of more environmentally safe materials. The produce packaging industry is a 3.4 billion industry and is a major contributor to the amount of disposed packages into the environment. Some groups have favored the use of products such as paper or other products made from wood pulp. However, there remain drawbacks to the sole use of paper due to the tremendous amount of energy that is required to produce it. A strong need to find new, easily degradable materials that meet necessary performance standards remains.

Degradability is a relative term. Some products which appear to be degraded merely break apart into very small pieces. These pieces are hard to see, but can still take decades or centuries to actually break down. Other products are made from materials which undergo a more rapid breakdown than non-biodegradable products. If the speed of this degradation is such that the product will degrade within a period of less than approximately 24 days under normal environmental conditions, the product is said to be compostable. Achievement of products made of compostable materials which also meet a variety of needs, such as containers for products in a damp or wet condition, has posed a significant challenge.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a container comprised of a foldable unit of biodegradable material. The container is especially designed to hold and present fresh produce, although other suitable products could be stored therein. The material of the container is comprised of biodegradable cellulose-based material. The container is generally of a ‘clamshell’ design, i.e., it has a receptacle component comprising a bottom portion and walls extending up from the bottom portion. On one wall, a lid component is attached which allows for pivoting of the lid component for closure over the receptacle component. Alternatively, the lid component is not attached and simply acts as a removable lid.

The top component comprises an aperture which serves as a window for the consumer to view and inspect the produce stored within. The aperture comprises a precut, preprinted transparent label, which is also made of a biodegradable material. The label is attached to the top component over the aperture and serves as a barrier between the product and the outside environment.

One unique feature of the container is that it comprises an attractive print covering the outside surface. In one embodiment, the outside surface of the top component comprises a detailed print (photograph, image, etc.) of the produce contained therein and the outside receptacle component comprises a print of a basket. The result is a container which portrays an attractive basket of fresh produce. This container embodiment provides for an attractive display on store shelves and can entice customers to purchase the item given the ‘fresh’ and wholesome image of the container. This variable of the container can be controlled whereas blemishes on fruit or other produce, as revealed in conventional clear plastic containers, can be a disincentive to the customer even though there may be nothing wrong with the fruit. Accordingly, the container serves not only as a unique biodegradable container but also as a marketing tool.

In another embodiment, the container is comprised of dimensions suitable for placement on convention packaging equipment. The container is also equipped with strategically placed apertures which facilitate the handling of the container during the packaging process. These apertures serve the additional purpose of providing ventilation to the produce disposed within the container, thereby cooling the produce.

The biodegradable material may be made of corrugated cellulose based material. The material may be coated with a waterproofing sealant that helps prevent moisture from the produce internally or moisture originating from the environment from unduly weakening the container structurally. Conversely, the waterproof treatment should not be so effective that it impedes biodegradation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a container embodiment of the subject invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another container embodiment of the subject invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 in a closed state.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of another embodiment in a closed state.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the embodiment in FIG. 4 in an open state.

FIG. 6 shows a planar top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 shows a planar bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 shows a planar side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 shows a planar side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 opposite the side shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows a planar side view of an end of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. A planar view of the opposite end mirrors the view shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an embodiment shown in a closed state.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the embodiment in FIG. 11 shown in an open state.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an embodiment shown in a closed state.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 in a open state.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of an embodiment similar to that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an embodiment similar to that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning to FIG. 1, there is shown a container embodiment 10 for holding produce. The container 10 comprises a lid component 12 and a receptacle component 11 comprising a bottom portion 14. The bottom portion comprises four walls 50, 51, 52, 53 upon comprise four flange sections 16, 17, 18, 19, respectively. In the embodiment 10, the lid component 12 is connected to the receptacle component 11 via flange section 16. The flange section 16 comprises a fold 21 which bends or pivots to allow the lid component 12 to superimpose over the flange sections 17, 18, and 19 and over the receptacle component 11. Flange section 18 comprises a male locking member 23 which is inserted into the slot member 25 of the lid component 12 to secure the lid component 12 into a closed position. The flange sections 16-19 serve in assisting the containment of produce disposed in the container 10. Furthermore, the top portion 12 comprises apertures 26 and the flange sections 16-19 comprise slots 24. The apertures 26 and slots 24 are placed so that they are aligned upon closing the top portion 12. The result is a plurality of openings which serve to ventilate and cool the produce disposed within the container 10.

The lid component 12 comprises walls 55, 56, 57 having an image 60 provided thereon representing fruit or vegetables that are disposed within the container. The flange sections 16-19 also are shown with a similar image 62 provided thereon. The receptacle component 11 comprises an image of a basket provided thereon. The result is an appealing image of a basket holding delicious looking produce. The image conjures up visions of freshly harvested produce. This combination of images on the container acts to attract the eye of the customer and encourages sales of the product.

The lid component 12 comprises a top portion 29 that defines an opening 28 and which is covered from the inside of the lid component 12 by a biodegradable transparent film 30. The opening allows for the customer to view the produce disposed within the container 10. The film 30 may comprise marketing information printed thereon as well, such as written information regarding the product, the company, trademarks, etc.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show an embodiment similarly configured to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except lacking the provision of images on the outside surface.

As discussed above, one of the advantageous features of certain biodegradable container embodiments of the subject invention is that the containers act as there own on the shelf marketing. Because of the material used for the container, this allows flexibility with the presentation of the produce product. Indeed, images of fresh, attractive looking fruit and vegetables can be provided on the outer surface of the container. In one embodiment, the top component comprises an outer surface wherein at least 50 percent of the outer surface of the top component is covered with images of product representative of the product disposed in the container. In specific embodiments, the outer surface of the top component comprises at least 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent or 90 percent with images of product representative of the product disposed in the container.

In those container embodiments comprising a flange portion extending from a wall, the flange portion may also be provided with an image similar to that provided on the top portion.

In addition, in certain container embodiments, the top component comprises images of product while the receptacle component comprises an outer surface onto which an image of a woven material such as a basket is provided. Alternatively, other images of a container can be provided on the receptacle component such as a solid colored carton or box. In addition, the receptacle component may comprise an outer surface onto which a solid green, tan or brown color is provided.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show an embodiment 400 similar to that shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 except that a slit 425 and male tab member 423 are provided on the longitudinal side as opposed to the end.

FIGS. 6-10 show planar views of the top, bottom, side with slit and male tab member, side opposite slit and male tab member, and end, respectively. The end opposite to the view shown in FIG. 10 is a mirror image.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a perspective view of an embodiment similar to that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The lid component has an image of cherry tomatoes provided thereon and the receptacle component has an image of a basket provided thereon.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show a perspective view of an embodiment similar to that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The lid component has an image of strawberries provided thereon and the receptacle component has an image of a basket provided thereon.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show a perspective view of an embodiment similar to that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The lid component has an image of blueberries provided thereon and the receptacle component has an image of a basket provided thereon.

In view of the foregoing, one can recognize that the present invention provides a unique container that is biodegradable and which acts as a unique marketing tool. It is noted that the figures depicting this invention are merely representative of particular embodiments and are not meant to limit the range of possible configurations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the scope of this invention should be measured by the claims appended hereto, and not merely by the specific embodiments exemplified herein. 

1. A container for holding and displaying a produce product, said container being comprised of a biodegradable cellulose-based material, and comprising: a receptacle component comprising a bottom portion and a plurality of walls extending up from said bottom portion; a lid component attached to at least one wall of said plurality of walls and configured such that said lid component may pivot for disengageable closure over said receptacle component, said lid component comprising a top portion which defines a window; and a biodegradable transparent film attached to said lid component over said window.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein said lid component comprises an outer surface onto which an image is provided representing a produce product disposed within said container, wherein said image is provided on at least 50 percent of said lid component outer surface.
 3. The container of claim 2, wherein said image is provided on at least 60 percent of said lid component outer surface.
 4. The container of claim 2, wherein said image is provided on at least 70 percent of said lid component outer surface.
 5. The container of claim 2, wherein said image is provided on at least 80 percent of said lid component outer surface.
 6. The container of claim 2, wherein said image is provided on at least 90 percent of said lid component outer surface.
 7. The container of claim 2, wherein said produce product disposed within said container comprises a produce product selected from the group consisting of strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, raspberries, blackberries, kiwis, green beans, cherries, onions, legumes, citrus fruit, grapes, avocados, nectarines, peaches and apricots.
 8. The container of claim 1, wherein said biodegradable transparent film comprises an image provided thereon covering no more than 50 percent of the surface are of said film.
 9. The container of claim 1, wherein said plurality of walls comprise an outer surface wherein an image of a woven material is provided on at least 90 percent of said wall outer surface.
 10. The container of claim 9, wherein said image of a woven material resembles a basket.
 11. The container of claim 1, wherein said receptacle component comprises a rectangular bottom portion with at least four walls extending up each respective side of said bottom portion.
 12. The container of claim 11, wherein each of said four walls comprise flange sections extending therefrom on an end distal to said bottom portion and wherein said lid component is connected to said receptacle component via at least one of said flange sections.
 13. The container of claim 1, wherein said lid component comprises a top portion and a plurality of walls extending therefrom, said top portion comprising said window defined therein.
 14. The container of claim 1, wherein said lid component comprises a rectangular top portion and at least three walls extending out from said top portion, wherein said at least three walls have an outer surface onto which an image is provided representing a produce product disposed within said container, and wherein said image is provided on at least 50 percent of said outer surface of said at least three walls.
 15. The container of claim 14, wherein said receptacle component comprises a rectangular bottom portion with at least four walls extending up each respective side of said bottom portion; wherein each of said four walls comprise flange sections extending therefrom on an end distal to said bottom portion; wherein said lid component is connected to said receptacle component via at least one of said flange sections; and wherein said at least three walls extending out from said top portion are arranged and configured to overlap at least three of said flange sections upon closure of the lid component onto the receptacle component.
 16. The container of claim 15, wherein said at least three walls extending out from said top portion comprise apertures and said flange sections comprise slots, and wherein said apertures and slots are arranged so as to be aligned upon closure of said lid component therein producing a plurality of openings allowing air to pass through said container.
 17. A container for holding and displaying a produce product, said container being comprised of a biodegradable cellulose-based material, and comprising: a receptacle component comprising a rectangular bottom portion and at least four walls extending up from said bottom portion; a lid component attached to at least one wall of said plurality of walls and configured such that said lid component may pivot for disengageable closure over said receptacle component, said lid component comprising a rectangular top portion and at least three walls extending out from said top portion; and a biodegradable transparent film attached to said lid component over said window; wherein each of said at least four walls comprise flange sections extending therefrom on an end distal to said bottom portion; wherein said lid component is connected to said receptacle component via at least one of said flange sections; and wherein said at least three walls extending out from said top portion are arranged and configured to overlap at least three of said flange sections upon closure of the lid component onto the receptacle component.
 18. The container of claim 17, wherein said at least three walls extending out from said top portion comprise apertures and said flange sections comprise slots, and wherein said apertures and slots are arranged so as to be aligned upon closure of said lid component therein producing a plurality of openings allowing air to pass through said container.
 19. The container of claim 17, wherein said at least three walls of said lid component have an outer surface onto which an image is provided representing a produce product disposed within said container, and wherein said image is provided on at least 50 percent of said outer surface of said at least three walls.
 20. The container of claim 17, wherein said at least four walls comprise an outer surface wherein an image of a woven material is provided on at least 90 percent of said outer surface of said at least four walls. 